Spears: It was always Illinois

Aurora (Ill.) West Aurora three star ranked senior safety recruit Drake Spears (6-foot-1, 202 pounds) made an on campus visit to Illinois today and gave the Fighting Illini his verbal commitment. Spears talks about his decision here.

"It was always Illinois all along," Spears said when asked why he pledged to the Fighting Illini today in Champaign. "I waited this spring but I was ready to commit awhile ago."

Spears, who was offered as a safety recruit by Illinois talked about why he gave the Fighting Illini his verbal commitment.

"Illinois is just a great school. I love the coaches and the facilities at Illinois. I know a lot of guys on the team already and they are great guys and I get along well with them all already. I know that I will graduate from Illinois with a degree and a great education. My parents also always liked Illinois from early on. It's pretty close to home which is great for them and my family. That was also important to me and my parents played a big role in my choice."

Spears can now focus on his team and his senior season.

"I'm just really happy and excited to have it all over. I looked hard at schools like Western Michigan and UConn but in the end I know I made the best choice for me and my family. The hardest part of the process was just trying to stay in contact with the coaches and the media. I can just relax a little now and get ready foe the season."

Drake Spears is verbally committed to Illinois.